Democracy in America


Alexis de Tocqueville took note of two aspects of American culture that he saw as central to self-government: [[#|participation]] in voluntary associations and a commitment to the common good.

“I must say that I have often seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public [[#|welfare]]; and I have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support one another. The free institutions which the inhabitants of the United States possess, and the political rights of which they make so much use, remind every citizen, and in a thousand ways, that he lives in society. They impress upon his mind the notion that it is the duty as well as the interest of men to make themselves useful to their fellow creatures; and as he sees no particular ground of animosity to them…his heart readily leans to the side of kindness. Men attend to the interests of the public, first by necessity, afterwards by choice; what was intentional becomes an instinct, and by dint of [[#|working]] for the good of one’s fellow citizens, the habit and the taste for serving them are at length required.


1. What is Tocqueville's view of American democracy and society in 1835?





2. Democracy in America has proven over time to be even more valuable to American readers as it gives an insightful outsider’s view of American culture and politics.

If Tocqueville was to return to the United States how would he view current American society and democracy today? (at least 5 sentences)





To introduce the next unit on the origins of American Government, it is necessary to understand what it was like to live in the early settlements.

Today we will explore three resources that will engage us through the journey to the [[#|new]] world and then what life was like in the [[#|settlements]].

*Your responses should first be recorded in your notebook or a Google doc and then with time permitting be submitted in your class response!


First visit and explore the options, choices, and hardships that occurred on the voyages to the new world.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/history/voyage.html.

1) After completing the journey, list your results for each of the categories. ie. Physical Health : Good, Morale: fair etc...
Physical [[#|Health]]:
Morale:
Supplies:
Ship and Crew:
Future Success:

You will post your results with the HEADINGS!




PART A.
The next step after landing in the new world is establishing settlement. Explore both of these websites
life in Plymouth
http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/History/plymoth1.php

and a virtual settlement
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/history/panoramas.html

Response

1) List what you believe the five most difficult aspects of life were in the early [[#|settlements]] (Be specific and use the resources in identifying your ideas)

2) List what you believe the five most difficult aspects of life are today. (Be specific)

3) Do you think that you could have lived and survived in the early settlements? Explain?

4) Which would have been harder living in today's society or in the early settlements? Why?

PART B.


On a separate sheet of paper, choose one of the early settlements and research key information.
Identify

1). Identify who the settlers are and why they came

2). Explain what is being used to govern the settlers

3). Identify three reasons why the settlement is important




What is the legacy or lasting impact of the Jamestown Colony?




What is the legacy or lasting impact of the Plymouth Colony?